Sevens is serious business in China since its inclusion in the 2016 Olympics, but yesterday's performances show the work that needs to be done before then.
Jiang Xuming's team were comfortably beaten by the United States (36-14) and though a first win in seven World Series meetings against Japan looked a possibility when they led 12-0 at half-time, their Asian rivals' greater experience told after the interval as they scored 17 points without reply.
Of course, there is no nation more accustomed to implementing five-year plans, and Jiang is optimistic that by the time Rio rolls around, he will have far more weapons at his disposal. All 22 provinces have been told by mainland authorities to encourage rugby with an eye to having teams in the National Games in Liaoning , an event where only Olympic sports are played, so players with the physicality and skill set suited to Sevens will be hunted far and wide.
Another incentive is the keenness of the International Rugby Board and World Series sponsors HSBC to expand into 'emerging markets', with Shanghai one of the cities being mooted as a possible new venue.
The future may be bright, but for now China have to work with what they have. Too often yesterday their lack of experience and perhaps a lack of the game awareness that other teams have coached into them from an early age was evident.
Lu Zhuan scored an impressive try against the US, for example, when he picked up a loose ball on his own 22, but for much of his sprint to the line he was looking desperately for someone to lay the ball off to, rather than putting his head down and charging.